Whether you are planning a new home, expanding an existing home, or creating an accessory dwelling unit, the right approach starts with understanding the property, project scope, current requirements, and applicable jurisdiction.
Whether you are building a new home or adding space to an existing one, planning should account for the property, proposed use, site conditions, and applicable requirements. For additions, we consider how the new space connects to the existing home. For new builds, planning begins with the site and the proposed home.
Whether an addition or accessory dwelling unit is possible depends on the specific property and the requirements that apply to it. Zoning, setbacks, lot conditions, property access, utilities, easements, existing structures, and other site-specific factors can all affect what can be built.
Requirements can also vary between Wasatch County, Heber City, Midway, Park City, Summit County, and other local jurisdictions, and regulations may change over time.
That is why we start by understanding the property and identifying the requirements that may affect the project before getting too far into design. Where a determination needs to come from the local planning or building authority, we make that clear so you can make decisions based on the current requirements for your property.
Complete new homes, planned from the site up: zoning, setbacks, utilities and access first, then the house.
More space on an existing property, connected to the home that is already there.
An addition requires a foundation designed for the specific site and project. Foundation requirements, excavation, soil conditions, frost considerations, and other structural factors can vary depending on the property, design, and applicable requirements.
Connecting a new addition to an existing roof requires careful planning. Roof design, drainage, structural requirements, weather exposure, and snow considerations can vary depending on the property's location and the applicable requirements.
An addition or new home can involve mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and utility requirements that need to be considered during planning. We evaluate the existing systems, proposed scope, and project requirements early so potential needs can be identified before rough-in.
Permit requirements and timelines can vary depending on the property, project scope, and applicable jurisdiction, sometimes with review beyond the building department. We plan ahead for applicable requirements so they can be addressed before they become an issue during the project.
An existing garage can provide a useful starting point for additional living space because the structure is already in place. Converting it for a new use may involve insulation, heating and cooling, electrical work, windows or doors, interior finishes, and other improvements depending on the existing structure and proposed use.
Before planning a garage conversion, it is important to understand the requirements that apply to the property. Zoning, parking, setbacks, utilities, building requirements, and the proposed use can all affect whether a conversion is possible and what work may be required.
We evaluate the existing space and proposed use together so the project can be planned around the property’s conditions and applicable requirements.
It depends on the property and the requirements of the applicable jurisdiction. Zoning, lot conditions, existing structures, utilities, access, parking, and other factors may affect whether an ADU is permitted and what requirements apply.
We recommend confirming the current requirements for your specific property before committing to a design.
A basement apartment may qualify as an accessory dwelling unit depending on its configuration, use, and the requirements of the applicable jurisdiction. The classification and requirements can vary by location and property.
There is no single cost difference that applies to every project. An addition typically involves additional exterior construction and site work, while a basement project works within an existing structure. The actual cost depends on the size, design, existing conditions, materials, systems, and other project-specific factors.
We can help coordinate the planning and construction process, including identifying the drawings, permits, reviews, and approvals that may be required for your project. Specific requirements depend on the property, project scope, and applicable jurisdiction.
